Roseville special kids prepare Thanksgiving feast

Special education students assigned to teacher Tracy Wilson’s class experienced how their education could be used in the real world as they helped prepare a Thanksgiving feast.

The luncheon they prepared was enjoyed Tuesday by teachers and staff at Kaiser Elementary School and a central office administrator.

The 12 students worked by using mathematics and life skills they learned as part of their education.

“The students created a list of all of the items they would need to prepare for the feast,” Wilson said. “The kids got the items and brought them to school and also worked within a timetable.”

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The result was a freshly-roasted turkey, bread needed for stuffing, buttery mashed potatoes, marshmallows for ambrosia, butter and rolls, corn and pumpkin, apple and cherry pie.

“The meal the kids prepared was exceptional,” said Laurie Kinch, Kaiser principal, who seemed to enjoy the day as much as her students.

“The kids are the real winners. This is part of growing up.”

Kinch said the students used mathematics and fractions to measure ingredients. They also had to keep track on how many people were expected to come to the lunch and get place mats and napkins for all of their guests.

Wilson said the turkey was baked and carved in the Kaiser cafeteria Tuesday morning and then warmed until diners arrived.

“This is real hands-on eduction about the real world,” Kinch said. “Here at Kaiser we offer cognitive education for all of our district’s special students and there are two groups, one is kindergarten to third grade and the other class is grades four through six.”

Students Samiya Murril helped make the mashed potatoes.

“I also learned how to make stuffing and pumpkin pie,” she said.

Fifth-grade student Kenneth Ware helped peel the potatoes.

“We took the brown stuff off,” he said.

Ware likes math and used that skill to measure ingredients. With a large smile on his face, he helped make the turkey with fruit salad and gravy.

“I love gravy,” Ware said.

Kinch said the special education class is individualized and provides academic as well as social goals.

“These kids bring a diversity to our building,” Kinch said. “We’re lucky to have it here because it compliments the entire building atmosphere.”

Kinch said the students who helped prepare the dinner will remember the experience forever.

“These kids are learning to mathematics, to be polite, communication sills and a whole lot more,” Kinch said. “We also are lucky to have some fabulous teachers.”